Mangaluru: Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) has secured approval from the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board to construct a dedicated aviation turbine fuel (ATF) pipeline connecting its Devangonthi Marketing Terminal to Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru.
Project Details and Capacity
The approval encompasses the laying, building, operation, and expansion of a petroleum products pipeline exclusively for ATF transportation. The pipeline will run from MRPL’s Devangonthi Marketing Terminal to the existing Common User Fuel Farm Station and the upcoming Satellite Fuel Farm Station within the airport premises. With a design capacity of 2.5 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA), the project is expected to be completed within 36 months.
Strategic Importance
MRPL, a Schedule ‘A’ Mini Ratna central public sector enterprise and a subsidiary of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), stated that the project would strengthen its downstream marketing infrastructure and aviation fuel supply chain in Karnataka. The direct and efficient ATF transportation link between its Devangonthi infrastructure and Bengaluru airport is anticipated to reduce logistics costs and improve supply reliability.
The initiative gains significance amid Bengaluru’s expanding aviation sector, with the airport witnessing consistent growth in passenger and cargo traffic in recent years. MRPL highlighted that its Devangonthi Marketing Terminal has become a key infrastructure asset in the region. Additionally, the company’s terminal at Dodda Dasarahally, commissioned for dispensing motor spirit, high-speed diesel, and ATF, receives finished products via the existing PMHBL pipeline from MRPL’s refinery in Mangaluru, catering to rising industrial and retail demand.
Executive Commentary
BHV Prasad, executive director (projects) at MRPL, remarked that the proposed ATF pipeline will support the growing fuel demand of Bengaluru airport and reinforce MRPL’s presence in a key growth market. The project underscores MRPL’s commitment to enhancing aviation fuel infrastructure in Karnataka.
